Outside the Underworld Daoist's great hall.
The Holy Monk said to Raphael, "Benefactor Zhou Fei, it has been a long time."
Raphael froze. A long time? That's a strange way to put it. It sounds as though we've met somewhere before.
Just as he was about to say something, Huiyuan bade Wen Tuo farewell. He followed the Holy Monk, and the two monks stepped forward together. One step took them to the edge of the city; another took them out of sight.
Raphael and Wen Tuo watched the two monks leave, then entered the Underworld Daoist's great hall together.
The Underworld Daoist was still meditating on his throne, though he seemed lost in thought.
Raphael and Wen Tuo stood quietly to one side and waited. After a little over half a minute, the Underworld Daoist drew a deep breath, and his usual genial smile returned.
The Underworld Daoist first asked Wen Tuo, "Have you gained any new insights into Union with the Dao lately?"
Only after cupping his hands in salute did Wen Tuo answer, "I saw the pale river from afar. Sometimes it surged, sometimes it flooded, but in the end, it always returned to nothingness and stillness.
"As you instructed, Master, I did not try to approach it. I simply watched quietly and felt the power of the Yellow Springs."
The Underworld Daoist nodded in satisfaction. "That will suffice."
Then he asked Raphael, "You seem to have gained some new insights as well?"
"Yes." Raphael smiled. "I sensed a power that resonated with my spirit and will. I really can't describe what that power was, but I seem to be able to draw more power from my surroundings."
The Underworld Daoist looked surprised. Wen Tuo also turned sharply toward Raphael, his face full of shock.
Raphael was startled.